Umbrella with electronic display and message display

ABSTRACT

An umbrella including an electronic signaling device contains:  
     a. A source of electrical energy;  
     b. a display means for producing a signal composed of a plurality of light emitting diodes when the circuit is energized;  
     c. a light diffusion means placed over said electronic signal for displaying messages and the like for promotional and advertising purposes;  
     d. an electric circuit means for electrically joining the display means to said source of electrical energy; and  
     e. a switch in said electric circuit means that allows electrical energy to electrically energize a display composed of a plurality of LEDs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates, in general to umbrellas, and more specifically to an electronic signal and message display device incorporated into the construction of the umbrella for helping a person using the umbrella be visible in poor light conditions, and to display a message or messages to the user.

[0003] 2. Information Disclosure Statement

[0004] A preliminary search in class 135, and subclasses 15. 1, and 910 in the Examiner's art and files disclose the following patents: Cole U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,468, Yang U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,798, Huang U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,480, Walker U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,493, and Murphy U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,805. In inclement weather, and other low light conditions, visibility is generally reduced, making it possible that drivers of motorized vehicles and other individuals will fail to see a mobile user of an umbrella increasing the likelihood of accidental contact and possible injury. Each of the above cited patents disclose a means for illuminating an umbrella using and making the device visible for a variety of theatrical and other uses, and, thus, apparently related to the present invention. One such device is disclosed in Yang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,798 issued on Jun. 28, 1994, in which a signaling device is attached to an umbrella or the like. Said signaling device together with a source of electrical energy, a signal means, switch means, display means, and electrical conductor means is used to indicate the position of the umbrella and the position of the person holding said umbrella.

[0005] While this method of installation is not entirely unsatisfactory, it suffers from some disadvantages, and, in addition, none of the aforementioned patents disclose or suggest an electrical device containing a display means consisting of a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDS) that is fitted with a light diffuser and which can be used to display a lighted message or symbol visible to other individuals when said electrical device is energized by a person holding or using the umbrella. Said display means with a light diffuser can be used to display a message or symbol and can, therefore, be used for product or service promotions. One of the disadvantages of the Yang U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,798 is the placement of the display means on the outer edge of the support ribs of the umbrella makes the LEDS more susceptible to physical damage by high gusts of wind and being struck by people and objects passing by. Another problem is the lack of protection of the electrical conductor means as the ribs move through the open and closed positions increasing the possibility that said conductor will be severed. A third disadvantage involves the placement of the display means comprised of a high intensity plurality of LEDS at the end of the umbrella's support ribs interferes with the visual acuity of the person holding said umbrella. Therefore, the display means consisting of an LED would be on constantly during inclement weather conditions, and other times, and become a major distraction when the person must focus on their safe passage. None of the above listed patents suggest an umbrella with an electronic signaling device located on the protruding center support post that displays a message or symbol when the system is energized during the process of using said umbrella during inclement, dark, or diverse weather conditions. Said electronically illuminated umbrella with its message or symbol display located on the upper portion of the conventional pole consists of a source of electrical energy, display means for producing a signal when electrically energized, light diffusion means, electric circuit means for electrically coupling the display means to a source of electric energy, and a single pole dual throw switch inserted in the electrical circuit means and movable between an open position in which electrical energy is prevented from passing from the source of the electrical energy to the display means through the electric circuit means there through and the closed position in which the electrical energy is permitted to pass from the source of the electrical energy to the display means through the electric circuit means to electrically energize the display means, and, thus illuminating the diffuser means producing a lighted message, symbol, or the like, the switch means being in the closed position when the momentary switch located on the handle of the umbrella is in a fully depressed and engaged position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an umbrella containing an electronic illuminated device on the uppermost portion of the conventional center pole, to enhance a mobile umbrella user's visibility to others during inclement or low light conditions, by energizing a plurality of light emitting diodes when the momentary switch located on the handle is depressed, and to illuminate a light diffuser positioned to produce a lighted message, symbol, or the like, which can be used to promote goods, services, or a person, organization, or the like, and which can be a massed-produced marketable product.

[0007] The invention is both an improvement on the Yang U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,798 and it contains features that are unique to its own design and utilization. It is an improvement on the Yang U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,798 in that the illuminating device is built into the upper most portion of the central support pole of the umbrella and is thereby less distracting to the mobile user of the umbrella during times of inclement weather when the user must focus on their safe passage, is properly positioned and firmly attached to prevent damage to said illuminating device, its display means is composed of a plurality of LEDS that a closely arranged to enhance their visibility to others during potentially dangerous low light conditions, and it contains a momentary switch located on the handle to prevent the display from being energized in high light areas, in buildings, or the like. The present invention also features a unique diffusing means that is located around the LED display means to illuminate a message, symbol, that can be used to advertise an idea, goods, services, a person, organization or the like.

[0008] It is one object of the present invention to provide a novel electronic signaling umbrella that has the electronic signaling components built into the conventional support pole, above the ribbed canopy of said umbrella, where they are protected by surrounding material.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to position the signaling device in the conventional support pole, above the ribbed canopy, utilizing said electronic signal device to enhance the visibility of the mobile user of the umbrella to drivers of motor vehicles and passerby's during inclement weather, dark, or other conditions, without becoming a major distraction when the person must focus on their safe passage.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a plurality of LEDS in the display means outside the ribbed canopy that are visible in all conditions of light.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light diffuser that is positioned around the LED display means to illuminate a message or symbol that can be used to promote or advertise an idea, goods, services, a person, organization, or the like.

[0012] Still another object of the invention is to install the source of energy for the electronic signaling device in the hollow handle of the umbrella, and to place on the handle of the umbrella a momentary push switch connected to the circuit means that can be used to prevent the energizing of the display means during selected times.

[0013] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers identify the parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 that, in a sectional schematic view, illustrates an electronic signaling umbrella constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a side view of the umbrella according to the invention with an exploded view taken at line 1-1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a top view of the support pole of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic of the electronic display components of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] The preferred embodiment of the umbrella with an electronic signaling device 8 and message display is to be contained in upper portion of the conventional shaft 3 of a typical umbrella 2 of any well known construction. Therefore, the electronic signaling umbrella 2 includes a shaft 3 and a collapsible canopy 4. The collapsible canopy 4 is mounted on the distal end of the shaft 3. When open, the collapsible canopy 4 extends radially outwardly (as viewed in FIG. 1, which illustrates the normal open position of the umbrella 20). The canopy has a general circular symmetry around the shaft 3. The shaft 3 has a first end 5 attached to the collapsible canopy and a second end 6 distant from the collapsible canopy 4 for being held by a user of the umbrella.

[0019] The electronic signaling device 7 includes a source 8 of electrical energy. The source 8 of electrical energy preferably consists a three volt lithium battery such as, for example Duracell DL2450B. The three volt lithium battery is contained in a hollow segment of the elongated second end 6 distant from the collapsible canopy 4 and accessible through the grip material 13 at a point furthest from said canopy 4.

[0020] The electronic signaling device 7 includes a display means 9 for producing s signal when electrically energized. The display means 9 preferably includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) 10 for producing a visible signal when electrically energized. The LEDS 10 preferably consist of green LEDS (for example, the ones markedly by Tandy Corporation of Fort Worth, Texas through its Radio Shack division each having a forward voltage of 2.1 volts and a forward current of 30 mA and a luminous intensity of approximately 630 mcd). The display means 9 consisting of a plurality of LEDS produces a light signal when energized by a three volt lithium battery and no resistance is needed between the battery and those particular LEDS.

[0021] The electronic signaling device 7 includes electrical circuit means 11 for electrically coupling the display means 7 to the source 8 of electrical energy. The electrical circuit means 11 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 4 as consisting of a variety of conductive materials electrically joining the various electrical components of the signaling means 7 together, although other methods could also be used by those experienced and skilled in the art.

[0022] The electronic signaling 7 includes a switch means 12 that is inserted in the electrical circuit means 11 for controlling the flow of electrical energy through the electrical circuit means 11 from the source 8 of electrical energy to the display means 9. The main switch 12 ideally consists of a single pole, single throw momentary push button switch that is manually operated by the user to energize or de-energize the electrical circuit and preferably is located at the second end 6 of the shaft at the end of the grip 13 providing easy accessibility to the user of the umbrella. The switch means 12 preferably consists of a single pole, single throw switch inserted in electric circuit means 11 between the source of electrical energy and the display means 9 and movable between the closed position in which electrical energy is able to pass from the source 8 of electrical energy to the signal means 7 then through to electrically energize the display means 9 illuminating the plurality of LEDS 10 and illuminating the diffuser means 14 thereby lighting the message 15 or symbol there contained and an open position in which electrical energy is prevented from passing from the source 8 of electrical energy to the signal means 7 there through.

[0023] The operation and use of the electronic signaling device 7 is uncomplicated. Once the user of the umbrella depresses the switch 12 it will produce a signal by illuminating the plurality of LEDS 10 in the display means 9 lighting the diffuser means 14 projecting the message or the like thereon. By holding the umbrella in an upright position, or a downward position, it is generally acknowledged that the mobile user of the umbrella will increase their visibility to operators of motor vehicles and other passerby's during inclement, low light, or dark conditions weather conditions. The position of the display means 9, containing the plurality of LEDS 10 and the diffuser means 14, in the distal end of the shaft 3 above the collapsible canopy 4 enables the mobile user of the umbrella to navigate a potentially difficult course without distraction.

[0024] The placement of the electronic components of the signaling device 7 in distal end of the main shaft 3 above the collapsible canopy 4, except for the source of electrical power 8 and some segments of the electric circuit means 11, helps to protect these components from being struck inadvertently and damaged and maintains the traditional appearance and shape of the umbrella. The utilization of the umbrella's display means 9 and the diffuser means 14 makes it feasible to project messages 15 or the like and, therefore, makes the present invention useful as a promotional or advertising device.

[0025] Obviously, there are many modifications and variations of the present invention in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the full scope of the invention is not limited to the details disclosed herein and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic signaling umbrella comprising a support shaft having a distal end at one end of said shaft; the other end of said shaft remote from the distal end for being gripped by a user of the umbrella; a collapsible canopy; contained in said umbrella is an electronic signaling device comprising: (a) a source of electrical energy; (b) a display means for producing a signal composed of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) when the circuit is energized; (c) a light diffusion means placed over said signal for displaying messages and the like for promotional and advertising purposes; (d) an electric circuit means for electronically joining the display means to said source of electrical energy; and (e) a switch means in said electric circuit means and moveable between a closed position where electrical energy is permitted to pass from said source of electrical energy and said display means through the aforementioned electric circuit means to electrically energize said display means producing a signal composed of a plurality of LEDS and illuminating the light diffusing means that lights a message or the like on the surface of said light diffusing means, said switch means being in said closed position when the used of the umbrella activates said switch means.
 2. The combination of claim 1 in which said electronic signaling device includes a switch located on the end of the support shaft remote from the head of the umbrella for being gripped by the umbrella user said switch for producing a visible signal when electrically energized.
 3. The combination of claim 2 in which said switch is in said electric circuit means and moveable between a closed position in which electrical energy is permitted to pass from the source of electrical energy to the display means with its LED display and its light diffuser that is used to illuminate a message or the like for promotional or advertising purposes and a open position in which electrical energy is prevented from passing from the electrical energy source therethrough.
 4. The combination of claim 3 in which the light diffusing means is a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) arranged along the distal portion of the support shaft above the collapsible canopy of the umbrella said plurality of LEDS illuminating a light diffuser means and lighting and projecting a message or the like visible to passerby's.
 5. The combination of claim 4 in which the light diffusing means is a body that is affixed over the display means with its plurality of LEDS utilizing the light from said LEDS to illuminate opaque light filters contained in the diffuser means and said opaque light filters having openings or transparent inserts or the like to allow the shape of letters creating messages, symbols or the like that can be lighted and projected to promote or advertise a concept, product, person, organization, symbol, entity or the like.
 6. The combination of claim 5 in which the opaque light filters means a paper, plastic, and interactive materials that react with a variety of wavelengths including those in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums to produce visible light that can be used to create messages, symbols, or the like to promote or advertise a concept, product, person, organization or the like.
 7. The electronic signaling umbrella and message maker according to claim 1 has the electronic signaling means, display means, circuit means, and light diffusing means in the conventional shaft of the umbrella and a source of power means and parts of the electric circuit means in the shaft furthest from the collapsible canopy on said umbrella.
 8. The combination of claim 7 in which the source of power consists of one or more three volt lithium batteries or the like in the handle of the umbrella at the end furthest from the collapsible canopy. 